Gerry F. Ender

Gerol-Lee “Gerry” F. Ender, 83 of Sparta, was called home Monday, October 6, 2025. She was born January 22, 1942 to William and Dorothea (Koetz) Higdon in Seattle, WA.

Gerry spent most of her childhood in Washington, graduating from Evergreen High School in Vancouver, WA. On February 3, 1962, she married Michael Ender in Idaho, celebrating nearly 60 years of marriage before his passing. She worked many years at Northern Engraving in Sparta.

In her free time, Gerry enjoyed gardening, rock collecting, and quilting. Her grandchildren were always her pride and joy.

Gerry is survived by her children, Allan (Tony) Ender, Eric (Sandy) Ender, Cindy (Bruce) Altman, Brandy (Tami) Ender; grandchildren, Nathanael (Jessica) Culpitt, Bodhi (Meghan) Ender, Emily (Danny) McGee, Keith Ender, Kobe Culpitt and Zachary (Megan) Ender; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Vivian, Violette, Vada, and Wyatt; sisters, Tanya Higdon and Trudy Higdon. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends, including the Old Hen's Club, Vicky, Liz and Mary.  

She was preceded in death by her husband Mike; her parents; grandson, Tre; siblings, Vana Higdon and Tyrell Higdon and brothers in law, Verdell Anderson and Conrad Ender.

The family would also like to thank RBI Cares staff and the residents of House 6 for their care and friendship to Gerry and Tomah Health Hospice Touch & Palliative Care for their thoughtful care of Gerry in her final months and days.  

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Gospel Baptist Church in Sparta, with Pastor Jef Skinner officiating.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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